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Cantinotti M, Marchese P, Franchi E, Santoro G, Assanta N, Giordano R. Four-Dimensional Flow Echocardiography: Blood Speckle Tracking in Congenital Heart Disease: How to Apply, How to Interpret, What Is Feasible, and What Is Missing Still. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:263. [PMID: 38275542 PMCID: PMC10815034 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood speckle tracking echocardiography (BSTE) is a new, promising 4D flow ultrafast non-focal plane imaging technique. The aim of the present investigation is to provide a review and update on potentialities and application of BSTE in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and acquired heart disease. A literature search was performed within the National Library of Medicine using the keywords "echocardiography", "BST", and "children". The search was refined by adding the keywords "ultrafast imaging", "CHD", and "4D flow". Fifteen studies were finally included. Our analysis outlined how BSTE is highly feasible, fast, and easy for visualization of normal/abnormal flow patterns in healthy children and in those with CHD. BSTE allows for visualization and basic 2D measures of normal/abnormal vortices forming the ventricles and in the main vessel. Left ventricular vortex characteristics and aortic flow patterns have been described both in healthy children and in those with CHD. Complex analysis (e.g., energy loss, vorticity, and vector complexity) are also highly feasible with BSTE, but software is currently available only for research. Furthermore, current technology allows for BSTE only in neonates and low-weight children (e.g., <40 kg). In summary, the feasibility and potentialities of BSTE as a complementary diagnostic tool in children have been proved; however, its systemic use is hampered by the lack of (i) accessible tools for complex quantification and for acquisition at all ages/weight, (ii) data on the diagnostic/prognostic significance of BSTE, and (iii) consensus/recommendation papers indicating when and how BSTE should be employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Cantinotti
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.M.); (E.F.); (G.S.); (N.A.)
| | - Pietro Marchese
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.M.); (E.F.); (G.S.); (N.A.)
- Istituto di Scienze Della Vita (ISV), Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eliana Franchi
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.M.); (E.F.); (G.S.); (N.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Santoro
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.M.); (E.F.); (G.S.); (N.A.)
| | - Nadia Assanta
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.M.); (E.F.); (G.S.); (N.A.)
| | - Raffaele Giordano
- Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Xu R, Hou M, Zhou D, Liu Y, Xie L, Zeng S. Visualizable intracardiac flow pattern in fetuses with congenital heart defect: pilot study of blood speckle-tracking echocardiography. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:688-694. [PMID: 37161638 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Blood-flow pattern is an essential factor in cardiovascular development. Recently, blood speckle-tracking echocardiography (BST) based on high-frame-rate ultrasound has emerged as a promising technique for the assessment of blood-flow patterns and properties. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of BST in the fetus and to assess intracardiac blood-flow patterns of fetuses with a congenital heart defect (CHD) using this technique. METHODS This was a prospective study consisting of 35 normal fetuses, 35 fetuses with left-sided obstructive lesion (LSOL) and 35 fetuses with right-sided obstructive lesion (RSOL). BST images of fetal intracardiac regions of interest (ROIs), including the left ventricle (LV), right ventricle (RV), ascending aorta (AAo), aortic arch (AA), descending aorta (DAo) and pulmonary artery (PA), were obtained and analyzed. The feasibility of BST was assessed, and blood-flow pattern and number of vortices in the ROIs were recorded. RESULTS The median gestational age of the fetuses was 24.7 weeks (range, 19.6-34.3 weeks). BST was feasible in 81.6% of cases, and the cut-off value of depth for an adequate BST image was ≤ 7.9 cm. There were no differences in the presence of vortex/turbulent blood flow in the LV or RV among the three groups. Vortex/turbulent blood flow in the AAo was detected in 0% (0/35), 14.3% (5/35) and 57.1% (20/35) of cases in the control, LSOL and RSOL groups, respectively. The respective values were 5.7% (2/35), 14.3% (5/35) and 51.4% (18/35) for the AA; 0% (0/35), 48.6% (17/35) and 0% (0/35) for the DAo; and 0% (0/35), 40.0% (14/35) and 51.4% (18/35) for the PA. With the exception of the DAo in the RSOL group, vortex/turbulent flow in the great artery ROIs was significantly more common in the LSOL and RSOL groups than in controls (P < 0.01). In the LSOL group, the number of vortices in the AAo, AA, DAo and PA was significantly greater compared with that in controls (P < 0.01). In the RSOL group, the number of vortices in the LV, AAo, AA and PA was significantly greater compared with that in controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Fetuses with CHD were more likely to exhibit vortex/turbulent blood flow and increased number of vortices in the great arteries compared with healthy controls. Further research is needed to determine the biomechanical effect of blood-flow patterns, especially vortex flow, on fetal cardiovascular structure and function. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Urology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - M Hou
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - D Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - L Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - S Zeng
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Cantinotti M, Marchese P, Scalese M, Giordano R, Franchi E, Assanta N, Koestenberger M, Barnes BT, Celi S, Jani V, Voges I, Kutty S. Characterization of Aortic Flow Patterns by High-Frame-Rate Blood Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Children. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e026335. [PMID: 37066781 PMCID: PMC10227241 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Blood speckle tracking echocardiography allows for direct quantification of interventricular and aortic flow profiles, principally in children. Here, we sought to demonstrate the feasibility and reproducibility of blood speckle tracking echocardiography in the aortas of healthy children. Methods and Results One hundred healthy White children evaluated for the screening of congenital heart disease were prospectively enrolled. Echocardiographic examinations were performed using a Vivid E 95 ultrasound system, with blood speckle tracking from a focused and zoomed view of the aortic root and the ascending aorta. Vortex position, height (mm), width (mm), sphericity index, and area (cm2) were measured and indexed by body surface area. Median (interquartile range) age was 8.2 (5.6-11.0) years, median (interquartile range) weight was 28 (19-35) kg, and median (interquartile range) body surface area was 1.01 (0.79-1.16) m2. Vortices were visualized in only a single phase of the cardiac cycle in 25 subjects-14 (56.0%) were evident in early diastole and 11 (44.0%) in late systole. Vortices visualized in diastole had a mean area of 0.27±0.1 cm2/m2, while those in systole had a mean area of 0.34±0.12 cm2/m2. In a subset of 20 patients, inter- and intraobserver coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficients were determined and showed good reproducibility. Conclusions We demonstrate feasibility and reproducibility of blood speckle tracking and identified vortical flow patterns in the aortic root and ascending aorta in healthy children. These data may serve as a baseline for evaluating aortic flow patterns in children with congenital and acquired heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Cantinotti
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione ToscanaMassa, PisaItaly
- Adult Institute of Clinical PhysiologyPisaItaly
| | - Pietro Marchese
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione ToscanaMassa, PisaItaly
- Scuola Superiore Sant’AnnaPisaItaly
| | | | - Raffaele Giordano
- Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department Advanced Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NapoliItaly
| | - Eliana Franchi
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione ToscanaMassa, PisaItaly
| | - Nadia Assanta
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione ToscanaMassa, PisaItaly
| | - Martin Koestenberger
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of PediatricsMedical University GrazGrazAustria
| | - Benjamin T. Barnes
- Department of PediatricsTaussig Heart Center, Johns Hopkins HospitalBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Simona Celi
- Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione ToscanaMassa, PisaItaly
| | - Vivek Jani
- Department of PediatricsTaussig Heart Center, Johns Hopkins HospitalBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Inga Voges
- Department for Congenital Cardiology and Pediatric CardiologyUniversity Hospital Schleswig‐HolsteinCampus KielGermany
| | - Shelby Kutty
- Department of PediatricsTaussig Heart Center, Johns Hopkins HospitalBaltimoreMDUSA
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AbdelMassih AF, Ismail HA, Nabil FM, Mabrouk AI, Abdel Aziz F. RSV-induced LV dysfunction, what can be the underlying cause? Pediatr Pulmonol 2023; 58:991-995. [PMID: 36562647 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Fakhry AbdelMassih
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Kasr Al Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Cardiac Sciences' Department, Pediatric Cardiology Division, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Habiba-Allah Ismail
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatrics' residency program, Kasr Al Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fatima Mohamed Nabil
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatrics' residency program, Kasr Al Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aliaa Ibrahim Mabrouk
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatrics' residency program, Kasr Al Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Faten Abdel Aziz
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Kasr Al Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Cantinotti M, Marchese P, Koestenberger M, Giordano R, Santoro G, Assanta N, Kutty S. Intracardiac flow visualization using high-frame rate blood speckle tracking echocardiography: Illustrations from infants with congenital heart disease. Echocardiography 2021; 38:707-715. [PMID: 33729605 DOI: 10.1111/echo.15009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We report applications of novel high-frame rate blood speckle tracking (BST) echocardiography in a series of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). BST echocardiography was highly feasible, reproducible, and fast. High-frame rate BST provided complimentary information to conventional color-Doppler data enhancing the visualization and understanding of anomalous blood trajectories (eg, shunt direction, regurgitant volumes, and stenotic jets) and vortex formation. High-frame rate BST echocardiography is a new, promising imaging tool that may be helpful for deeper understanding of complex CHD physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Cantinotti
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Stabilimento Ospedaliero di Massa Ospedale del Cuore G Pasquinucci, Massa, Toscana, USA.,Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Institute (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Pietro Marchese
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Stabilimento Ospedaliero di Massa Ospedale del Cuore G Pasquinucci, Massa, Toscana, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martin Koestenberger
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Giuseppe Santoro
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Stabilimento Ospedaliero di Massa Ospedale del Cuore G Pasquinucci, Massa, Toscana, USA
| | - Nadia Assanta
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Stabilimento Ospedaliero di Massa Ospedale del Cuore G Pasquinucci, Massa, Toscana, USA
| | - Shelby Kutty
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
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